Did Wokeness Leave Us Worse Off?
4/8/202635 min
The right is known for using provocative language. But lately there’s been a push to be transgressive, even on the left — from the return of certain slurs to the removal of pronouns from bios. Nadja Spiegelman, a Times Opinion culture editor, is joined by the writer and culture critic Aminatou Sow and the New York magazine writer Brock Colyar to debate whether our culture is abandoning political correctness — and if so, why? Plus, stick around to hear what words Aminatou and Brock would like to ban.
Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.
This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin and Jasmine Romero. Mixing by Isaac Jones. Video editing by Jan Kobal and Arpita Aneja. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker, Isaac Jones and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsNadja Spiegelman· Host0:00
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Speaker 10:31
[upbeat music] This is The Opinions, a show that brings you a mix of voices from New York Times Opinion. You've heard the news. Here's what to make of it.
Nadja Spiegelman· Host0:42
[upbeat music] I'm Nadja Spiegelman, and I'm a culture editor for New York Times Opinion. Lately, I've noticed there's this pushback against what we used to call woke. For example, young people are using the R-word again.
Aminatou Sow· Guest1:03
That word retard comes flying out of these kids' mouths.
Brock Colyar· Guest1:06
[laughs] Five years ago, people were being absolutely crucified for saying retard. Clod, what is the R-word? Retard.
Nadja Spiegelman· Host1:14
And pronouns are dropping out of email signatures. It just feels like we're being a little less careful with what we say and who we might offend. This has been true on the right, and now maybe it's also becoming true on the left. So